Auburn’s Washington Elementary was one of 41 state schools who received cash awards in Olympia last week for its outstanding environmental programs.

Washington Elementary earned a $1,420 award to purchase supplies for raised garden beds and compost bins, and also was rewarded $500 for its successful and productive organic garden that thrives on student involvement.

The Terry Husseman School Awards program, presented by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), recognizes schools annually for developing and implementing innovative curricula, sustaining ongoing waste reduction efforts, or starting new environmental programs.

This was the first year private schools were eligible to compete in the environmental awards program. Of the 67 applications received, 12 were from private schools and 11 received awards.

Award amounts range from $100 to $5,000. A total of more than $52,800 were awarded across the state.

“This is a limited investment in our students and our schools that will have long-term benefits by building environmental infrastructure and teaching the concepts of stewardship and sustainable behaviors,” said Laurie Davies, manager of Ecology’s Solid Waste Program. “What they learn at school, they can practice at home, pass on to family and practice for a lifetime.”

For more information, visit www.ecy.wa.gov.